The importance of natural gas in driving economic growth and industrial development was underscored by Mr. Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), during his remarks at the public presentation of Charles Osezua's book titled 'The Rise of Gas: From Gaslink to the Decade of Gas.'

Kyari emphasized the global recognition of gas as a critical energy source that fuels economic expansion and supports industrial activities. He stressed the significance of documenting Nigeria's gas sector and prioritizing natural gas production and supply, especially in light of geopolitical dynamics and energy security concerns in the global economy.

Highlighting Nigeria's substantial gas reserves, which exceed 200 trillion cubic feet and have the potential to reach 600 tcf, Kyari emphasized the need to leverage this resource for sustainable development, energy security, and job creation.

The book launch aligns with the Federal Government's 'Decade of Gas' initiative, aimed at optimizing Nigeria's abundant gas reserves for both domestic use and international export. Kyari reiterated NNPCL's commitment to this agenda through strategic investments in critical gas infrastructure such as pipelines and processing facilities.

The author, Charles Osezua, expressed gratitude to NNPCL for its support, highlighting the company's commitment to fostering knowledge sharing and innovation within the gas industry. Afolabi Oladele, Chairman of the Impact Investors Foundation and former Group Executive Director of NNPCL, praised the book for its comprehensive insights into the gas value chain, noting its relevance to policymakers amid the global energy transition.

Nigeria's adoption of gas as a transition fuel aligns with efforts to make compressed natural gas available to all Nigerians, replacing petrol. This strategic move reflects the country's commitment to leveraging its gas resources for sustainable development and energy security.

The event served as a platform for stakeholders to discuss the transformative potential of Nigeria's gas sector and underscored the importance of collaboration and innovation in realizing this vision.